Current Context: On 7 July 2026 by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches PRAGATI Initiative in New Delhi to Support 20 Lakh Farmers.
- The initiative aims to create 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs who will provide technical support and modern farming solutions to nearly 20 lakh small and marginal farmers across the country.
- PRAGATI focuses on promoting regenerative and climate-resilient agriculture, encouraging sustainable farming practices, improving soil health, increasing crop productivity, and reducing cultivation costs.
- Agri-entrepreneurs trained under the programme will guide farmers in adopting modern technologies, mechanisation, crop diversification, value addition, and better market linkages to improve farm income.
- The initiative seeks to generate rural employment, encourage agri-entrepreneurship among youth, and strengthen the agricultural ecosystem through innovation and capacity building.
- PRAGATI is being implemented with support from government agencies, corporate organisations, and international development partners, including the SBI Foundation, PepsiCo Foundation, Gates Foundation, Heifer International, IDH, and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).
Question:
Q1. The PRAGATI Initiative, launched by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on 7 July 2026, primarily aims to:
a) Provide free crop insurance to all farmers
b) Develop 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs to support 20 lakh small and marginal farmers
c) Double food grain exports by 2030
d) Establish 20,000 new agricultural universities
Answer: b) The PRAGATI Initiativ to train 20,000 agri-entrepreneurs, who will work with about 20 lakh small and marginal farmers.
